Britain’s King Charles III offered a rare update on his cancer journey in a video message on Friday evening, revealing that he has responded well to treatment and it can be reduced in the new year.
Charles, 77, described the milestone in his recovery process as “a personal blessing” before hailing “the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years.”
“Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctor’s orders,’ my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year,” the British monarch said in a pre-filmed clip for Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer broadcast, which partners on its annual campaign with the charity Cancer Research UK.
Charles announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 after undergoing a prostate procedure.
While his treatment is not over, a spokesperson for the King told CNN that “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase.”
The spokesperson added: “This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery.”
In his video message, which was filmed at his London residence of Clarence House in late November, Charles reflected on learning about his diagnosis. He said that he knows it “can feel overwhelming” but that he also knows “early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams – and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope.”
He stressed the importance of cancer screening programs and encouraged people to make use of them to catch the disease quickly because “early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”
“Too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable. If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part,” he explained, before highlighting a new national Screening Checker, available online in the UK.
“This simple tool allows you to check whether you are eligible for breast, bowel or cervical cancer screening. It demystifies the process, answers your questions, and guides you towards taking that crucial step.”
King Charles meets with patient Asha Millan during a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London in April 2024. – Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters
Charles also said that during his own cancer journey he has been “profoundly moved” by what he called “the community of care” that surrounds every patient.
He ended his message with his “most heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, researchers and charity workers involved in diagnosis and treatment programs, together with my particular good wishes to those for whom they care so selflessly.”
Friday’s message is the latest example of how the British sovereign has made cancer awareness a fundamental part of his public facing work.
His first official engagement following his diagnosis was in April last year when he visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, where he met patients and clinicians.
The King’s outing came as he was announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK. He has also been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for almost three decades.
He sent a deeply personal message to a Buckingham Palace reception in April honoring the work of cancer charities, saying despite the fears that cancer can bring, it can illuminate the best of humanity.
He has not publicly disclosed the type of cancer he has been receiving during his weekly outpatient treatment. A royal source told CNN at the time that the form of cancer detected was not prostate cancer, but did not specify further.
The spokesperson for the King told CNN that was because “the advice from cancer experts is that, in his determination to support the whole cancer community, it is preferable that His Majesty does not address his own specific condition but rather speaks to those affected by all forms of the disease.”
It’s not yet clear how much longer Charles will require treatment for; that would be a matter for his medical team to determine.
Following his diagnosis last year, the King briefly stepped away from public facing duties, though he continued to carry out state business. He has since returned to a busy diary of engagements and foreign trips.
“The King has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment, while always heeding the advice of his medical team,” his spokesperson told CNN.
“His ability to uphold all of his state duties, and to continue with public engagements and overseas tours, has helped greatly with the positive mindset that, as many families will know, is such a vital part of the recovery journey.”
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